Which upcoming free agents must the Carolina Panthers aggressively pursue to ensure they are ready to make significant strides in 2023?
Now that the Carolina Panthers have their new head coach, plans to form a competitive roster are well underway. However, with little in the way of financial resources available right now, some significant maneuvering is needed from those in power to put the franchise in a better position.
Attracting talent will be much easier with Frank Reich at the helm. The respected coach comes with a glowing reputation as a leader and the Panthers have plenty of exciting young players capable of making strides if the right recruits are sought.
Although the Panthers are a little more than $9 million over the cap currently, moves to save substantial sums can be made. And if Reich wants to hit the ground running, finding veterans that can make an instant impact is of critical importance.
With this in mind, here are seven pending free agents that the Panthers must aggressively pursue in 2023.
Free Agent No. 1
Carolina Panthers must pursue Jamel Dean
- Cornerback | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Finding cornerback help is key for the Carolina Panthers this off-season. Donte Jackson could miss most of the 2023 campaign with a torn Achilles, with C.J. Henderson and Keith Taylor Jr.’s consistency another ongoing concern heading into the new campaign.
Jamel Dean is someone the Panthers have seen plenty of over the last two years. His production with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022 represented another step in the right direction, so this is a player of interest if he’s allowed to test the market.
Carolina Panthers must pursue Jessie Bates III
- Safety | Cincinnati Bengals
The Carolina Panthers have an interesting dilemma at the safety position this offseason. Do they keep the tandem of Jeremy Chinn and Xavier Woods intact or move the former second-round pick back to the outside linebacker spot where he starred as a rookie?
Given how Chinn’s impact regressed last season overall, the latter could be the best option. Although it would benefit matters closer to the line of scrimmage, it leaves a gaping hole on the backend with little in the way of quality depth behind the starting duo.
Although he’s unlikely to be cheap, acquiring Jessie Bates III should be discussed, at the very least. The gifted defensive back played 2022 on the franchise tag and did more than enough to warrant a lucrative commitment from the Cincinnati Bengals or someone else throughout the campaign.
With the Bengals having to pay the likes of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in the not-too-distant future, they might decide to let Bates take his chances elsewhere. Something the Panthers and others around the league should monitor closely.
Adding Bates to a secondary that also consists of Jaycee Horn – moving Chinn to the second level – is an enticing proposition. Whether the Panthers have enough financial wiggle room to make this dream a reality remains to be seen.
Carolina Panthers must pursue Mike Gesicki
- Tight End | Miami Dolphins
While Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble are solid blockers at the tight end spot, they haven’t offered nearly enough from a pass-catching standpoint. And there is a big enough sample size to suggest this area of play needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Considering the need for any rookie via the NFL Draft to blend in and integrate, acquiring a veteran represents the best chance to improve quickly. It could also smooth the transition of a college quarterback if the Carolina Panthers go down this route as anticipated.
This year’s free-agent class is loaded with top tight-end talent. After playing on the franchise tag in 2022, Mike Gesicki could be among the most coveted if the Miami Dolphins don’t give him an extension.
Gesicki’s route-running, soft hands, and ability to create separation are renowned assets. Something the Panthers haven’t had at the tight end position since Greg Olsen left for the Seattle Seahawks in 2020 free agency.
The former Penn State star had a down year statistically with just 362 receiving yards and five touchdowns. But much of this can be attributed to Tyreek Hill’s arrival and the constant concussion issues suffered by starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
If the Panthers get a chance to acquire Gesicki, they shouldn’t hesitate.
Carolina Panthers must pursue Leighton Vander Esch
- Linebacker | Dallas Cowboys
Another year passed without the Carolina Panthers having any stability at the middle linebacker position. Things did progress when Shaq Thompson switched to the interior, but he could become a salary-cap casualty given the more than $13 million in savings involved with his projected departure.
Again, going down the college route might be beneficial long term. But if the Panthers want to trade up for their quarterback of choice, landing a free agent becomes more realistic.
If this is the path Carolina chooses, then Leighton Vander Esch is a name to watch. The former first-round selection bounced back in 2022 after a down year, providing the ferocity and run defense that’s been synonymous with the player since he entered the league in 2018.
Vander Esch doesn’t offer much from a pass-rushing standpoint. However, he is intelligent, fills gaps effortlessly, and has enough speed to close space to oncoming runners with relative comfort.
The Dallas Cowboys will likely make Vander Esch an offer to stay given his upturn in production. But if the one-time Boise State stud decides to hit the open market for a better offer, the Panthers might pounce in pursuit of finally finding a long-term successor to Luke Kuechly.
Carolina Panthers must pursue Mecole Hardman
- Wide Receiver | Kansas City Chiefs
It’s hard to properly analyze the Carolina Panthers wide receiver room after another 2022 season of suspect play-calling on offense and almost no consistency at the quarterback position. D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall Jr. did well overall, but it’s clear additional assets should be sought to make life easier for any incoming signal-caller.
This year’s draft class has some top-end talent, although depth is questioned compared to the last two selection events. If Carolina allocated their value capital elsewhere, then adding a productive pass-catcher in free agency is almost imperative.
Mecole Hardman’s encouraging start to the 2022 season was cut short due to injury. The explosive individual tried to make a comeback during the Kansas City Chiefs’ win against the Cincinnati Bengals to secure the AFC Championship, but it’s clear something was still bothering the player.
It remains to be seen whether Hardman recovers enough to suit up in the Super Bowl. Regardless, the Panthers could utilize his deep-threat prowess and ability to make people miss in the open field.
Leaving Patrick Mahomes for an unheralded signal-caller is a tough sell, obviously. That’s why it’s so important for Carolina to move the necessary money around en route to becoming an attractive destination for pending free agents.
Carolina Panthers must pursue Jacoby Brissett
- Quarterback | Cleveland Browns
Speculation seems to mount by the day regarding the Carolina Panthers and their plans for the quarterback position. Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker are free agents, so the time for a concise plan under center under new head coach Frank Reich is long overdue.
Matt Corral is the only signal-caller under contract right now, which is concerning. However, expect the Panthers to identify their players of interest and strike with conviction after so much mismanagement during Matt Rhule’s tenure.
Moving up or standing pat at No. 9 overall for their college quarterback of choice is a possibility. Depending on who the Panthers bring into the ranks, they might need a bridge option while any new recruit gets up to speed or develops enough to assume command.
This is where Jacoby Brissett comes in. The veteran quarterback has previous ties to Reich and did a tremendous job in difficult circumstances with the Cleveland Browns in 2022 until Deshaun Watson came back from suspension.
Brissett is a dual threat that’s efficient with the football. He’s also a respected leader within the locker room, which would be invaluable to a college signal-caller’s early development.
It makes a ton of sense all things considered. This also signals the end of Darnold’s time with the franchise despite a mini-resurgence last season.
Carolina Panthers must pursue DeMarcus Walker
- Defensive End | Tennessee Titans
Letting Haason Reddick test the free-agent market and sign for the Philadelphia Eagles was a grave error in judgment by the Carolina Panthers. Although one cannot dismiss the notion he wanted to leave in pursuit of a legitimate chance of contending.
Reddick is gearing up for a Super Bowl and the Panthers are searching for another defensive end after Yetur Gross-Matos fluffed his lines opposite Brian Burns. Just 2.5 sacks was an extreme disappointment following his promotion to the starting lineup, which should see the Penn State product relegated to rotational duties once again in 2023.
The 2023 NFL Draft class is extremely strong where productive pass-rushers are concerned. However, there are a few enticing options on the free-agent market that shouldn’t be ignored.
DeMarcus Walker fits the mold and could be ready to assume legitimate starting responsibilities after a career year on the Tennessee Titans rotation. His relentless motor and ever-improving pass-rushing repertoire would provide a massive boost to the Panthers, but going down the college route is undoubtedly cheaper in the grand scheme of things.
Tennessee will likely fight hard to keep the former second-round pick given his ongoing progress. Walker is only going to get better after such a confidence-boosting campaign, which means the market might be hot if he cannot agree on terms with the Titans.